This program is needed to reverse a 60 year economic decline in the agricultural industry that is beginning to have serious economic consequences locally, nationally and globally. Without a correction, it will lead to a deeper economic crisis at all levels.  Here are some facts to consider:

• The farmer share of the food dollar has declined from 41 cents in 1950 to 20 cents in 1999.
• Half of all farmers in US are over age 55, and only 8% of farmers are under the age 35.  Without improved profitability and this program, there is little chance that the country will be able to replace its farmers.
• Many farms remain in business only because of family members who have other jobs and provide off-farm income.
• Loss of 4,738,190 of farms from 1935 to 2007.
• Loss of 276.4 million acres of farmed land.
• USDA projects that the U.S. will import almost 51 billion pounds of fruits and vegetables (167 lbs. per person) in 2009.
• Continued loss of productive farmland for development is estimated at approximately 2,500 acres per day in the United States.  The national and global loss of productive farmland combined with the growing shortages of both surface and ground water, is resulting in food shortages, rising prices and reduced food quality that is reaching crisis levels.

How this program improves both the economy and sustainability

• Through this program, America would create a new generation of farm entrepreneurs and small businesses to produce food to meet the growing demand for locally produced fresh foods.  This program will keep the American farmer and their family on the land by improving profitability while pumping billions of needed cash every year into local economies (bottom up versus top down) at the same time.
• This program will create more employment opportunities for others both directly and indirectly as openings are created in off-farm industries that are now filled by part-time farmers who have to carrying second jobs.
• This program will improve public health by improving the environment and through better nutrition which will not only reduce health care costs, but increase worker productivity by reducing sick leave. Both will have positive effects on the economy.
• By being more connected to local markets and consumers, Local Farm Businesses (LFB’s) are less susceptible to speculative market fluctuations and mass commodity pricing for both supplies and production which will lead to increased profitability.
• This program will help farmers (LFB’s) become recognized as respectable businesses in local communities and Chambers of Commerce as key economic generators essential to the well being of the community.
• This program will generate recession proof cash flows in communities across the country without being dependent upon the financial industry.

This program could be the framework for establishing a National Goal of providing the highest quality of fresh, nutritious food for every child in America’s public school system. 

This program will also support other national objectives to reduce energy consumption, improve public health, and protect the environment while improving economic conditions in every community throughout America.